Mary Katherine Kearns, MLIS, CA
Assistant Librarian/Assistant Professor
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Abstract
What if a simple doodle could transform a library into a hub of creativity, community, and seasonal engagement? Doodletober is a low-pressure, participatory art initiative designed to engage students in imaginative expression within an academic library setting. Inspired by Inktober, students responded to weekly Halloween-themed prompts through doodling, enabling participation across skill levels. A high-visibility display encouraged participation and informal peer engagement.
Over four weeks, 68 participants contributed to the activity. Many additional library users engaged with the evolving display as viewers. This case study suggests that small-scale, playful programming can provide meaningful opportunities for student engagement and reinforce the library as a space for both research and informal creative expression.